Juania and Jubaea in habitat!

[Darren Michael]

Hello, I'm planning a trip to Chile this November and am interested in seeing Juania australis and/or Jubaea chilensis in habitat. On Juania I haven't been able to find out if the remaining wild specimens are still visible by regular visitors to Robinson Crusoe, and if so, exactly where (though there don't seem to be many hiking options to begin with). For Jubaea, it seems Parque Nacional La Campana is the best spot, at least as far as large protected areas, but I wanted to make sure that there aren't any better but more obscure/still accessible locations.

Thanks!

Darren

 

[GMann]

I have not actually been but I have researched the Jubaea locations for a future visit one day, aside from La Campana the other places to see large numbers of them are in Cocalan National Park, and right outside the city of Valparaiso on Highway 60.

[Darren Michael]

Thanks for the info! Seems that particular park isn't open to the general public though (unless that's changed). 

[bgl]

I believe Parque Nacional La Campana is probably THE best area for Jubaea in habitat. I was there in January 2019 and it was an amazing experience.  Here are just a few of my photos. And yes, all those palms up on the mountain are Jubaea chilensis!

[Darren Michael]

Thanks for the info and the great images! Definitely enticing. Is there are particular trail you'd recommend, and did you just go for the day?

Edited August 27, 2019 by Darren Michael

[bgl]

If I recall correctly, not that many choices. You park the car, head off on the only trail that leads into the park. Once inside you will have choices, but I don't believe the various trails have names. Just head in whatever direction looks most promising. It worked for us! And we probably did a three hour hike or so.

EDIT - and yes, just a day trip. I was staying in Valparaiso for a week and good friends picked me up at the Airbnb where I was staying. I believe Valparaiso is closer to La Campana than Santiago but you will need independent transportation to get to La Campana

[Darren Michael]

Great, thanks again! Yeah I'm planning on just having to rent a car for that day.

[buffy]

I wonder what has caused all of them to neck down from their original diameter. Changing climate? Harvested Leaves?

[Darren Michael]

Yeah I'd guess rainfall - but others would probably know better than I do.

[JasonD]

The neck effect is standard for jubaea, it appears, both in habitat and cultivation. It happens when plants reach a certain mature height, but seems to vary among individuals.